Save Tony Bruno!

Recently the Board of Directors of the Toms River Country club voted to NOT renew the contract of Tony Bruno. Many of us feel this is unfortunate and is yet another decision not in the best interest of the club.

A decision to remove the golf pro affects the entire golf membership. Would it have been unreasonable for the Board to have surveyed the membership for our opinion, as they did with the restaurant and bar operations? Or were they guided by a small but SELECT GROUP OF BOARD MEMBERS, who in the last 2 years have made it clear that CLUB RULES AND POLICIES don't apply to them.

Recently, one of our members expressed it accurately when he wrote, "Tony Bruno is a gentleman. A rarity today. A humble and quiet man, who stayed consistent in his demeanor no matter what was thrown his way. HE IS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL. He is low profile, but so is Toms River Country Club".

Tony has always been there to serve the membership, a job that isn't easy when you are trying to keep up to 300 members happy. Yet no matter what the situation Tony has remained courteous and professional at all times.

Many of us remember the pros we've had in the past. One pro who was less than courteous or helpful to the members, especially the women. His replacement although a good golfer, ran a terrible shop and spent most of his time on the golf course gambling with members.

We know what we have. A true professional with almost 40 years experience, who is respected but his peers, and is a perfect fit for our membership. The fact that those who made the decision will openly say they aren't sure they made the right decision, in itself questions the decision.

We don't know what Tony did to justify the decision not to renew his contract. The only reason given seems to be that he doesn't fit the direction the Club is going in.......whatever that means.

For those that were at the annual meeting, it is obvious that the Club faces some very serious issues and the Board's reactions and solutions seems to be reckless and driven by panic. Tony Bruno has had nothing to do with the poor decisions of the current Board. We should remember that the gold operation is profitable in 2008 and clearly Tony Bruno contributed to that.

IF YOU AS A MEMBER DISAGREE WITH THE BOARD, WE ASK YOU TO SIGN THIS PETITION.

WE ASK FOR YOU TO EXPRESS YOUR DISAGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD'S DECISION AND REQUEST THAT TONY REMAIN AT TOMS RIVER COUNTRY CLUB. WE OWE IT TO TONY AND THE CLUB!